POLICE DPO TRAGICALLY KILLED BY KIDNAPPERS DURING RESCUE MISSIONNIGERIA NEWS

NIGERIA NEWS

16th October, 2024

By Oyenike

POLICE DPO TRAGICALLY KILLED BY KIDNAPPERS DURING RESCUE MISSION

A newly assigned Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Agbarho, Delta State, along with several of his team members, was tragically killed by a kidnapping gang during a rescue mission. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Monday, just two days after CSP Jega took office at the Agbarho Divisional Command. Reports indicate that he, along with CSP Paul from the Orerokpe division, was leading their officers on a rescue operation for a kidnapping victim when they were attacked near the Agbarho rail station.

The suspected kidnappers opened fire on the police team, resulting in the deaths of the DPO and several officers, while CSP Paul narrowly escaped and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital for urgent medical care. Activist Israel Joe expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, recalling a conversation he had with Jega the day before about the conduct of his officers, whom he had reprimanded for soliciting bribes.

Joe conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the fallen officers, emphasizing the bravery of those who lost their lives in the line of duty. He called for swift action against the criminals responsible for this heinous act.

The police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the tragic ambush, noting that only the DPO was lost in the incident.

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NERC: BENIN AND TOGO’S ELECTRICITY DEBT TO NIGERIA TOTALS $5.7 MILLION

International electricity customers in Benin Republic and Togo owe Nigeria $5.79 million for energy consumed in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s recent report.

From the $15.60 million invoice issued from April to June, these customers paid $9.81 million. The companies involved include Para-SBEE in Benin ($1.23 million), Transcorp-SBEE in Benin, Mainstream-NIGELEC in Togo ($1.09 million), and Odukpani-CEET in Togo ($3.47 million). Notably, Odukpani-CEET did not make any payments during this period. In the first quarter, no payments were received from these international customers for a cumulative invoice of $14.19 million.

The report also highlighted that some customers settled outstanding invoices from previous quarters, with international customers paying a total of $16.65 million cumulatively.

Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission

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GOVERNMENT PROPOSES 25% TAX FOR NIGERIANS WITH MONTHLY INCOMES OVER N100M

Taiwo Oyedele, the Nigeria Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, recently announced a significant proposal regarding taxation in Nigeria. If approved by the National Assembly, wealthy Nigerians earning N100 million or more each month will face a personal income tax rate of 25%.

This move is part of a broader effort to reform the tax system in Nigeria, aiming for a fairer distribution of tax burdens across different income levels.

During his address at the 30th Nigeria Economic Summit held in Abuja, Oyedele emphasised that around 90% of current taxpayers should not be subjected to additional taxes. His call for a more equitable tax system aims to alleviate the financial pressure on lower and middle-income earners while ensuring that wealthier individuals contribute their fair share.

The proposed tax reforms are set to take effect in January 2025 and include tax reductions for middle-income earners and exemptions for lower-income individuals, thereby providing some relief to the business sector as well.

This initiative reflects a significant shift in the government’s approach to fiscal policy, highlighting the need for a balanced system that supports economic growth while ensuring that tax responsibilities are distributed fairly among all citizens.

Taiwo Oyedele,The Nigeria Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee

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PROTESTS ERUPT IN EDO STATE OVER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING AND ORGAN HARVESTING

On Sunday afternoon in Agenebode, Edo State, a situation escalated dramatically as reports emerged of multiple individuals being killed due to accusations of kidnappings and murders attributed to suspected criminals.

The community’s anger boiled over, leading a group of enraged youths to set fire to the local police station and several vehicles. They voiced their frustrations, claiming that the police were complicit with the criminals. This unrest was triggered by a particularly distressing kidnapping incident involving a young boy, whose family had paid a ransom but was still left without their child.

In a determined effort to find answers, local youths managed to track the suspect’s phone, ultimately leading to an arrest. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the horrific reality of victims being killed for organ harvesting.

This shocking revelation led to the discovery of decomposing bodies, further inflaming the community’s outrage and resulting in more violence, including the destruction of police property and other buildings. The situation reflects deep-seated fears and frustrations within the community regarding safety and justice.

Nigeria police officers

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NIGERIA TO UNVEIL COMPREHENSIVE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY TO PROTECT INNOVATIONS

The Nigerian government is making significant strides to enhance its intellectual property framework by revalidating the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy Document. This initiative, spearheaded by various federal ministries, aims to create a comprehensive policy that effectively protects the intellectual assets of Nigerians.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite, emphasised the importance of this update in addressing existing gaps and aligning with global standards. She highlighted that a robust intellectual property policy is crucial for fostering economic growth and innovation within the country.

In addition, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawana, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that a strong national policy is essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s innovations across various fields, including medicine, technology, and the arts.

This effort not only aims to protect the creative works of individuals but also seeks to encourage further innovation and investment in various sectors. By strengthening the intellectual property framework, the Nigerian government is taking a vital step towards ensuring that the country’s creative talents receive the recognition and protection they deserve, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall development and prosperity.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Anite

Oyenike reporting

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